15 Washington Eateries Where The Fried Fish Plate Is The Star Of The Menu
When you’re craving something crispy, golden, and absolutely satisfying, nothing beats a perfectly fried fish plate.
Washington state has some seriously amazing spots that know how to do fried fish right, from classic catfish to fresh Pacific cod.
I’ve put together this list of restaurants where the fried fish isn’t just good it’s the main event that keeps people coming back for more.
1. SONNYS FISH MARKET
Crispy catfish has never tasted better than what you’ll find at this waterfront favorite.
The spot sits at 610 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, right where you can watch the water while you eat.
Their Fried Catfish Sandwich comes loaded with tartar sauce and bread-and-butter pickles that add the perfect tangy crunch.
The catfish fillets get fried until they’re golden and crunchy on the outside while staying tender inside.
You can grab a table outside when the weather’s nice and enjoy the casual atmosphere.
The location makes it perfect for a lunch break or weekend meal.
Every bite delivers that satisfying crunch you’re looking for in great fried fish.
2. Jackson’s Catfish Corner
For over thirty years, this Seattle institution has been serving up some of the best cornmeal-fried catfish you’ll ever taste.
You’ll find them at 3041 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112, in the Central District.
The cornmeal coating creates this incredibly crispy exterior that stays crunchy from the first bite to the last.
Inside, the catfish stays perfectly tender and flaky, never dry or overcooked.
Their time-tested recipe hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to—they got it right from the start.
Locals have been coming here for decades, and that kind of loyalty tells you everything.
The portions are generous, and the prices won’t break your budget.
3. Marination Ma Kai
Asian-Hawaiian flavors meet perfectly fried fish at this West Seattle gem with incredible water views.
The restaurant is located at 1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126, right on the waterfront.
Their crispy fish comes topped with gochujang aioli that brings a spicy, tangy kick you won’t forget.
Pickled vegetables add brightness and crunch that balance the richness of the fried fish beautifully.
The fusion approach makes this different from your typical fish and chips spot.
You can sit outside and watch boats go by while enjoying your meal.
The Hawaiian-Korean twist on fried fish creates flavors that feel both familiar and exciting at the same time.
4. Spud Fish & Chips
Since 1935, this place has been proving that simple done right beats fancy every single time.
They’re at 2666 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, on Alki Beach with gorgeous views.
The light, crispy batter wraps around moist, flaky fish that practically melts in your mouth.
Thick-cut fries come alongside, giving you that perfect salty, crunchy companion to your fish.
Nearly ninety years of experience means they’ve perfected every single detail of their recipe.
The beachside location adds to the whole fish and chips experience.
People have been bringing their kids here for generations, creating family traditions around these amazing fried fish plates.
5. The Catfish Shack
Fresh, never frozen catfish makes all the difference, and this spot proves it with every single order.
You can find them at 2221 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107, in the Ballard neighborhood.
Their catfish baskets come with house-made hot sauce that adds just the right amount of heat.
The beachy vibe and picnic-style seating create a laid-back atmosphere perfect for casual dining.
Rustic decor makes you feel like you’re at a coastal shack even though you’re in the city.
The commitment to fresh fish means the flavor and texture are always on point.
Each piece gets fried to order, so you know it’s hot and crispy when it hits your table.
6. Bennett’s Fish Shack
Harbor-fresh fish that was swimming just hours ago creates an unbeatable fried fish experience.
The shack sits at 2581 Westhaven Dr, Westport, WA 98595, right on the harbor where fishing boats dock.
Their perfectly crispy fillets come wrapped in light, golden batter that doesn’t overpower the fish flavor.
Being located right at the source means you’re getting the absolute freshest catch possible.
The commitment to quality shows in every single bite of their fried fish plates.
You can watch fishing boats come in while you eat, knowing your meal came from those very waters.
The simple preparation lets the incredible freshness of the fish shine through completely.
7. Proper Fish
British tradition meets Pacific Northwest ingredients at this Bainbridge Island favorite that nails classic fish and chips.
They’re located at 282 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, in the heart of downtown.
Wild Pacific cod caught right off Washington’s coast gets used for their authentic fish and chips.
The thick, beer-soaked batter creates an incredibly satisfying crunch with every bite.
Traditional British preparation techniques combined with local fish create something really special.
The island location makes this a perfect stop if you’re taking the ferry from Seattle.
You’ll taste the difference that wild-caught Pacific cod makes compared to imported fish.
8. Fat’s Chicken and Waffles
Soul food seasoning transforms fried catfish into something that’ll wake up your taste buds in the best way possible.
The restaurant is at 2726 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98122, in Seattle’s Central District.
Their fried catfish gets seasoned with spices that bring serious flavor and a little kick.
Each piece is fried fresh to order, which means you’re guaranteed maximum crispiness every single time.
The soul food approach to frying creates layers of flavor that go way beyond basic fried fish.
While they’re known for chicken and waffles, the catfish is what keeps people coming back.
Don’t sleep on their sides either—they complement the catfish perfectly.
9. Ivar’s Fish Bar
Seattle waterfront dining doesn’t get more classic than this iconic spot that’s been feeding locals since 1938.
The original location is at 1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104, right on Pier 54.
Their fried fish uses wild Alaskan cod that gets dipped in their secret batter recipe.
The combination of fresh fish and decades-perfected technique creates consistently delicious results.
Seagulls hang around hoping for scraps, adding to the authentic waterfront experience.
You can eat outside and watch ferries cruise across Elliott Bay while enjoying your meal.
The clam chowder makes a perfect pairing with their fried fish plates.
10. Little Chinook’s Fish and Chips
When a fishmonger opens a restaurant, you know the fish is going to be absolutely top-notch and super fresh.
They’re at 4817 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, in the Columbia City neighborhood.
Sustainable, wild-caught fish gets fried to perfection with hand-cut fries on the side.
The fishmonger background means they source only the best quality seafood available.
Their commitment to sustainability doesn’t compromise flavor—it actually enhances it.
The hand-cut fries are thick and crispy, giving you that perfect texture contrast with the fish.
Everything tastes fresher because it comes from people who really know their seafood inside and out.
11. Duke’s Seafood
Upscale casual dining meets perfectly executed fried fish at this Pacific Northwest seafood favorite with multiple locations.
One popular spot is at 901 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, on South Lake Union.
Their fried fish features locally sourced seafood prepared with care and attention to detail.
The coating stays crispy while the fish inside remains incredibly moist and flavorful.
Fresh coleslaw and house-made tartar sauce accompany every fried fish plate.
The restaurant atmosphere is nicer than your typical fish shack but still comfortable and welcoming.
They’ve mastered the balance between casual and special, making it perfect for any occasion.
12. Sunfish Seafood
Hawaiian plate lunch style brings a totally different vibe to fried fish that you’ll absolutely love.
The restaurant is located at 1034 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104, in the International District.
Their fried fish plates come with rice and macaroni salad, just like you’d find in Hawaii.
The portions are huge, giving you serious value for your money.
Island-style preparation means the fish gets seasoned differently than traditional American fried fish.
The combination of crispy fish with the creamy mac salad creates perfect flavor balance.
This is comfort food that fills you up and makes you happy at the same time.
13. Anthony’s Seafood
Panoramic water views and expertly fried fish create a dining experience that feels both special and satisfying.
One location sits at 6135 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, right on Shilshole Bay.
Their fried fish uses Northwest seafood prepared with restaurant-quality technique and care.
The view alone makes this worth visiting, but the food definitely holds its own.
Crispy coating and perfectly cooked fish show the kitchen knows what they’re doing.
The upscale setting makes this great for celebrations or when you want something a little nicer.
You’re paying a bit more than casual spots, but the quality and atmosphere justify the price completely.
14. Chinook’s at Salmon Bay
Marina views and fishing boats create the perfect backdrop for enjoying seriously good fried fish.
You’ll find them at 1900 W Nickerson St, Seattle, WA 98119, overlooking the Ballard Locks.
Northwest seafood gets fried with a light touch that keeps the fish flavor front and center.
The location next to the locks means you can watch boats pass by while you eat.
Their fried fish plates are generous without being overwhelming, hitting that perfect portion size.
Fresh local fish makes all the difference in both taste and texture.
The casual atmosphere welcomes families and seafood lovers of all kinds.
15. The Fish Counter
Modern fishmonger meets casual cafe at this spot where sustainability and flavor go hand in hand.
They’re located at 1903 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, in downtown Seattle.
Their fried fish tacos feature sustainably sourced seafood that’s incredibly fresh and flavorful.
The counter-service style keeps things quick and casual without sacrificing quality.
You can trust that every piece of fish meets their high standards for sourcing and freshness.
The modern approach to fried fish feels lighter but still delivers that satisfying crunch.
Fresh toppings and creative preparations make this different from traditional fried fish spots in the best way possible.
